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Team Building 101

Setting up your new business team can be a hassle, as you are essentially expecting people who do not know each other to work as a single unit to drive in profits. This is why team building is so important. This is not something that can be accomplished in a single sitting. It takes time to get strangers to get along. This is why it would be best to organize a game plan before going all out and splurging on a retreat with your employees.

Start Small

Team building is a process that takes time. Anyone who has been in this industry will tell you that your people are not going magically mesh into your dream team right after an expensive event that focuses on making them closer. This is why you should start small, like mini games at the workplace, for instance.

To start, at some point, your team will start to get to know each other and develop small cliques. If you plan on spending a small part of your office hours playing team building games, you should break up those cliques. Teams should be composed of a representative from each clique.

Organize Mini Competitions

Make it interesting! No one wants to join a boring game that does nothing more but force them to interact with each other. Organize small events that allow them to showcase their prowess as a team. You might want to start by letting them get to know you better. As their boss, you need to exude a professional yet approachable vibe.

Let them get to know you better organizing a “Get To Know Me” session wherein you give them time to ask you anything they want, even personal stuff. This will help them establish camaraderie and will let them see that you are an approachable person. You can also have a “Who Knows Me Best” game the next day. You can provide small rewards to keep them interested.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Each week, you should set aside time for both of these games with your employees. This will help them learn more about each other and it will help dispel any tension that comes from working with strangers.

In a month or two, you have the option to splurge on a fun company event. This can be held at a beach, a resort or any fun location. Make sure you include fun team building games, which are not really necessary, as they should have bonded by this time. Think of it as a mini victory party instead, because getting strangers to get along is not an easy feat. Enjoy a tasty cocktail and give yourself a mental pat on the back, because you truly deserve it.